Helpful Information & Resources

Center relationship over control. Ask, What does connection look like here? instead of How do I get them to comply? Honor curiosity and dissent. When a child asks “why?” — see it as wisdom, not defiance.Respect boundaries. Teach and model bodily autonomy. Don't force hugs, touch, or emotional disclosure. Teach them about their rights. Prioritize play and rest. Both are birthrights, not privileges to be earned.Apologize and repair. Adults can make mistakes, practice owning them. This models accountability, not shame. Reclaim community care. Raising children shouldn't be an individual burden. It's collective work — neighbors, kin, and community are part of it. When we shift from managing children to being in relationship with them, we are doing abolitionist work. We're breaking the cycle of domination that begins early, and creating the conditions for liberation to grow in the next generation. Children are not just the future. They are the present. How we treat them now shapes what liberation will look like for all of us.  

Reflection Prompts:

• How do I treat the children in my life when they express anger, confusion, or dissent?
• What beliefs about “good” behavior, respect, or obedience did I inherit that no longer align with liberation?
• How can I make more space for children's voices, even (especially) when they challenge mine?
• What did I learn about power from how adults treated me as a child?

"You may try to change in ways that allow you to be more healthy and happy, but this is done because you care about yourself, not because you are worthless or unacceptable as you are. Perhaps most importantly, having compassion for yourself means that you honor and accept your humanness. Things will not always go the way you want them to. You will encounter frustrations, losses will occur, you will make mistakes, bump up against your limitations, fall short of your ideals. This is the human condition, a reality shared by all of us. The more you open your heart to this reality instead of constantly fighting against it, the more you will be able to feel compassion for yourself and all your fellow humans in the experience of life." -Dr. Kristin Neff

3 Elements of Self-Compassion:

1. Self-kindness vs. Self-judgement
2. Common humanity vs. Isolation
3. Mindfulness vs. Over-identification

Online screening is one of the quickest & easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms related to mental health. Mental health symptoms, such as feelings of sadness or anxiousness, are real, common, & treatable. New experiences are possible. These tools are, by no means, a way to diagnose an individual. Rather, this is a tool to recognize where you may be experiencing stress and provide an opportunity for you to reflect on your lived experiences. These tools are most useful when deciding if therapy is the next step for you and can be used when discussing about current issues with a licensed professional.

Check out these FREE interactive mental health related tools for anger, anxiety, bullying, depression, emotions, families, relationships, school, self-esteem, social media, & stress.

Check out Calm's FREE resource page.

• Mindful Living Calendars
• Daily Gratitude Journal
• Mental Fitness Training Guide
• Calm Intention Cards
• Calm Intention Guidebooks
• Gratitude Toolkit
• Managing Stress Workbook
• Peak Performance Journal
• Discovering Happiness Journal
• Creative Living Beyond Fear Journal
• Mindful Eating, Sleep, Mindfulness Journal

6 Strategies for Managers to Support Employee Well-Being at Work:

• Strategy 1: Get on their level
• Strategy 2: Check yourself
• Strategy 3: Celebrate them
• Strategy 4: Enable honest feedback
• Strategy 5: Formalize mental health initiatives
• Strategy 6: Be a role model

Came across this article during a time when I needed some inspiration and direction. If you are in a space where you need reminders and guidance, check this out. Remember, you are exactly where you need to be. Forever caring especially in the heartbreak...

Consider letting your trusted loved ones know that you are struggling. Here are some tips to share with them if they're helpful to you:

• Ask them to listen and empathize, and not judge, give advice, place pressure, or center their own feelings.
  • Tip: Stay curious, not controlling.
• Are your basic needs met? If not, ask for direct, tangible support.
  • Examples: water, food, filling prescription, comfortable place to rest
• Ask them to stay with you and to make a plan together.
  • Try this anti-carceral crisis & safety plan template (Project LETS)
• If you do not want police or hospital intervention, communicate this clearly.
• Digital Safety: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1JOJNIw0hB-KRDa2dZ9Uv-ukidPVViJ9D